Die recutting machine



July 18, 1967 B, GELFAND ET AL 33 L DIE RECUTTING MACHINE Filed Oct. 22, 1965 INVENTORS KARL B. GELFAND MAX ROVINSKY JOHN J. PORT'O ATTORNEY United States Patent This invention relates in general to a die recutting machine, and more specifically, to a machine for resizing, reblending, rounding or finishing most of various sizes of dies which are commonly used in a mill.

Dies, as for example, those used in the wire drawing industry are subject to much wear and abuse. Consequently,

3,331,263 Patented July 18, 1967 drive means is operatively connected to the die holder and to the head to effect rotation of the die holder simultaneously with the reciprocation of the head, the co-action of the wire reciprocating relative to a rotating die effectively reworking the die as may be required. Means are also provided for varying the stroke of the reciprocating head. To avoid oversizing or overworking a die, the control of the drive means is electrically operated and a timer is interposed in the circuit to control the cycle time.

A feature of this invention resides in the provision of a die recutting machine which can effectively resize, reblend, round or finish a die in a minimum of time and a maximum of effort.

such dies are required to be reworked or recut in order to maintain their optimum efficiency. For years, the cost of recutting such dies has increased at an enormous rate. These cost increases have been primarily due to the increased wear to such dies due to the ever increasing speed at which a drawing operation is required to be formed and the frequency with which these dies had to be recut. Also the relatively tedious, slow and time consuming manner in which such dies were heretofore required to be recut further added to the cost of recutting such dies. Using the known antiquated methods of recutting dies, it was possible to produce only about 10 recuts per man per day. Consequently, the production of recutting dies with methods heretofore known in present day technology has developed into a costly item.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a die recutting machine which is capable of resizing, reblending, rounding or finishing dies to proper size in an expedient, economical and positive manner.

Another object of this invention is to provide a die recutting machine adapted to blend the approach in a die without changing the die size in a minimum of time and thereby making it possible for an operator to greatly enhance his productivity for this type of operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a die re cutting machine capable of removing wear rings without adversely effecting the die size.

Another object of this invention is to provide a die recutting machine which can be readily mastered by an operator in a minimum of time.

Another object of this invention is to provide a die recutting machine in which the recutting operation can be timed to eliminate the danger of overrunning sizes.

Another object of this invention is to provide a variable control to maintain the speed of the machine.

Also, another object of this invention is to provide in a die cutting machine means for rendering the die-s being worked upon self-centering to further enhance the accuracy of the recutting operation.

The foregoing objects and other features and advantages are attained by a machine for reworking dies comprising essentially of a frame means having mounted thereon a reciprocating head. A die holding means for supporting the die to be reworked is mounted on the frame means adjacent to the reciprocating head. In accordance with this invention, the die holding means is rotatably journalled on the frame of the machine. The reciprocating head has secured thereto a wire which is threaded through the die holder and the die supported thereon, the ends of the wires being secured to the reciprocating head by means of suitable clamps. Means are provided for varying the angle or alignment of the operating wire with respect to the die holder so as to effect the necessary blending, rounding, resizing or finishing operations as may be required of a die. Means are also provided for adjusting the axial alignment of the die holding means relative to the operating wire. A

Another feature of this invention resides in a die recutting machine having a die holder constructed and arranged so as to render the dies supported therein self-centering.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision in that only ordinary skill is required to rework a die in accordance with this invention.

Still another feature resides in the provision of a die reworking machine which will greatly enhance productivity.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings and specification in which,

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view of the die recutting machine of the instant invention.

FIGURE 2. is a front elevation view of the die recutting machine.

FIGURE 3 illustrates an enlarged detail sectional view of the die holding means.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 a die recutting machine 10 embodying the instant invention. In industry, dies are utilized in many different types of operations to form various products. Due to the Wear to which such dies are subjected, they are frequently required to be periodically recut to maintain them in optimum working condition.

In accordance with this invention, a machine 10 is provided for effectively recutting dies with a minimum of effort and a maximum of ease. As shown, the machine 10 comprises a frame means that includes a base member 11 having a pair of uprights 12 suitably connected thereto, A reciprocating head 13 is slidably mounted on the uprights 12. The reciprocating head 13 comprises a pair of side members 1414 interconnected by a pair of vertically spaced horizontal members 15, the latter being provided with aligned holes by which it is slidably supported on the uprights 12.

A horizontal supporting bar 16 is secured between the spaced uprights 12 at a point intermediate the ends 1515 of the reciprocating head 12.

In accordance with this invention, a die holding means 17 is supported on the horizontal support 16. As best seen in FIG. 3, the die holding means 17 comprises of a body 18 which is provided with an axial bore 19. The top of the body 18 is provided with a concave, spherical seat 20 on which the die 21 to be reworked is adapted to seat. As shown, a die 21 is generally provided with a complementary spherical surface 22 adapted to complement the curvature of the die seat 20. Accordingly, the arrangement is such that the die 21 is rendered self-centering in the body 18 of the die holder 17. To secure the die 21 in place during a recutting operation, a locking cap 23 is threadably engaged to the body 18 of the die holder 17. Accordingly, the die 21 is secured between the die holder body 18 and the locking cap 23 during a reworking operation.

A means is provided for rotatably journaling the die holder 17 on the support bar 16. As shown, the means comprises a bearing member 24 which rotatably supports the body 18 of the die holding means 17. The bearing means 24 is supported to the horizontal support 16 by means of an extension 25 which is adapted to be received in a complementary bore in the horizontal support 16. Accordingly, the arrangement is such that the bearing means 24 can be pivotally adjusted. In this manner, the axis of the die holder 17 supported thereby is angularly adjusted with respect to the reciprocating head 13. The means for operating on the die includes an operating wire 26. Accordingly, the wire 26 is threaded through the bore 19 of the die holder and die with the ends thereof stretched between the upper and lower cross bar 1S15 of the reciprocating head 13, by clamping means 27 and 28. In the illustrated form of the invention, the clamping means 27 securing the lower end of the wire 26 is fixed relative to the lower cross bar 15 of the head, whereas the clamping means 28 securing the upper end of the wire 26 is mounted in a horizontal slot 29. Thus the upper clamping means 28 is rendered laterally adjustable with respect to the lower clamping means 27. In this manner, the vertical alignment of the wire 26 may be adjusted with respect to the axis of the die holding means 17. Thus, the particular relative adjustment of the holding means 17 and the operating wire 26 greatly enhances the versatility of the machine.

A drive means 30' is provided to effect reciprocation of the head 13 simultaneous with the rotation of the die holder 17. The drive means 30 comprises a variable speed motor 31 which is suitably supported on the frame means and a drive shaft 32 connected in driving relationship therewith. As best seen in FIG. 1, the pulley 33 connected to the end of the motor armature 34 is connected in driving relationship to a driven pulley 35 journalled on the drive shaft 32 through a drive connection, as for example, a belt 36 or the like. Mounted on the end of the drive shaft 32, which is suitably journalled on the base member of the machine, is an eccentric 37 and a connecting rod is interconnected between the eccentric 37 and the reciprocating head 13. Accordingly, the connecting rod 38 transforms the rotary motion of the eccentric 37 to rectilinear movement of the reciprocating head. As noted in FIG. 1, the connecting rod 38 is provided with upper and lower elongated slots 38A, 38B which may be utilized to vary or adjust the stroke of the reciprocating head as may be required for a particular die reworking operation.

Connected intermediate the ends of the shaft 32 is a series of differential pulleys, one of which 39 is connected in driving relationship to the die holding means 17, by means of a flexible drive 40. As shown, a pair of idler pulleys 41 are connected to the end of a support 42 to efifect a change in direction of the flexible drive 40. The body 18 of the die holding means 17 has secured thereto a pulley 44. Accordingly, the flexible drive 40 is threaded over the guide pulleys 41, about the pulley 44 of the die holding means and around one of the differential pulley 39. Accordingly, actuation of the drive shaft 32 effects rotation of the die holding means 17 and the die supported thereon and the reciprocation of head 13.

To effectively control the speed of the motor 31 an electrically controlled circuit is utilized. The arrangement of the circuit is such that it allows the motor to maintain any optimum desired speed within a given range, as for example, from 50 to 1000 strokes per minute. Also, a timing means 45 may be interposed in the electrically controlled circuit to automatically effect the timing of a reworking operation.

Accordingly, it will be noted that the arrangement is such that the operating wire 26 and the die holding means 17 can be adjusted with respect to one another so that the angle of the wire and the surface of the die 21 supported in the die holding means can be pre-arranged in a desired relative relationship so that the reciprocating wire 26 can be brought into contact with that surface of the die which requires reworking or reshaping.

For example, to effect a recutting of the die so as to bring the size of the die 21 up to the next higher size, an oversize wire is used. The oversize wire is pulled through the die and reciprocated back and forth through the bore of the die until the sizing of the die desired is reached. In such resizing operation, the bore of the die is held in axial alignment with the wire operating therein.

To remove wear rings, an undersized wire is utilized and it is angularly adjusted with respect to the die so as to operate on the affected area.

In blending or in removing of a sharp angle in the die, the axis of an undersize wire is inclined in a direction opposite to that of the die holder. To enhance the operation of the wire, the same may be coated with a diamond compound to increase the cutting affect thereof. In essence, the wire functions as a flexible wire which reciprocates as the die holder is rotating during machine operation. Accordingly, the flexible wire permits one to apply pressure to that area of the die where the work is desired. It will be understood that the working wire may be formed of any suitable material depending upon the work to be performed. Wire, therefore, may be made of 'hard brass, annealed nickel chrome, steel and the like.

While the instant invention has been described with respect to a particular embodiment thereof, it will be readily appreciated and understood that variations and modifications thereof may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A machine for resizing, reblending, rounding or finishing dies comprising,

(a) a frame means,

(b) a head reciprocally mounted on said frame means,

(c) a die holder connected to said frame and adapted to support the die to be worked on,

(d) means for rotatably journalling said die holder on said head,

(e) a wire threaded through said die holder and die therein for operating on said die,

(f) means for securing the ends of said wire to said head,

(g) and drive means operatively connected to said die holder to effect simultaneous rotation of said die holder and reciprocation of said head whereby said reciprocating wire operating on the die in said rotating holder effectively resizes, blends, rounds or finishes the die accordingly.

2. A machine for reworking a die comprising,

(a) a frame means,

(b) a reciprocating head mounted on said frame means,

(c) a die holding means supported on said frame means adjacent said reciprocating head, said die holder being adapted to hold a die to be worked on,

(d) means for rotatably supporting said die holder and die to be reworked,

(e) a wire for operating on said die threaded through said die holder and die supported thereon,

(f) means on said head for securing the respective ends of said wire thereto,

(g) the wire securing means for one end of said wire being adjustably positioned with respect to the wire, securing means for the other end of said wire,

(h) means for angularly adjusting the axial alignment of said die holder relative to the Wire threaded therethrough, and

(i) a drive means operatively connected to said die holder and said head to effect simultaneous rotation of said die holder and reciprocation of said head whereby the reciprocation of said wire operating on the die in the rotating die holder effectively reworks the die.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 and including a means to electrically control the speed of said drive means.

4. The invention as defined in claim 3 and including a timer in said control means for automatically timing the operation.

5. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said drive means comprises,

(a) a variable speed motor,

(b) a drive shaft rotatably journalled in said frame means and connected in driving relationship with said motor,

(c) a flexible drive connecting said die holder in driving relationship to said drive shaft,

'(d) an eccentric connected on said drive shaft,

(e) and a connecting rod between said eccentric and said head whereby said rod transforms the rotary switch of said eccentric to a reciprocating motion of said head.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5 means to adjust the stroke of said head.

7. The invention as define-d in claim 2 wherein said die holder comprises,

(a) a body having an axial bore extending therethrough whereby said wire is adapted to be threaded therethrough,

( b) a seat for supporting a die on the upper end of the body,

(c) said seat being defined as a concave spherical surface effective to render a die supported thereon self centering with respect to the bore of said body,

(d) and a locking cap for securing a die in said die holder.

8. The invention as defined in claim 7 and including a pulley connected to said die holder.

9. A machine for recutting a drawing tie comprising,

(a) a frame means including a base member,

(b) a pair of spaced apart uprights supported on said .base,

(c) a horizontal support connected to said uprights intermediate the height thereof,

(d) a die holding means,

v(e) means for rotatably supporting said die holding means on said horizontal support,

(f) said die holding means including a body having and including an axial bore extending therethrough and a concave spherical die seat formed on the end thereof adapted to support a die thereon,

(g) a locking cap to secure the die in place in said die holder,

(h) a head slidably mounted on said uprights to reciprocate relative thereto,

(i) a wire,

(j) means for securing the ends of said wire to said head so that said wire moves with said head, said wire being threaded through the bore of said die holding means and die therein,

(k) the means for securing one end of said wire being adjustable relative to the means securing the other end of said wire to vary the alignment of said wire relative to said die holder means,

(-1) means for angularly adjusting the axial alignment of said die holder means relative to said wire,

(In) a drive means operatively connected to said die holder means and to said head to effect simultaneous rotation of said die holder means and die therein and reciprocation of said head whereby the recip' rocating wire operating on said die as the die holder means rotates effectively recuts said dies,

(11) said drive means including,

(o) a variable speed motor,

(p) a drive shaft operatively connected to said motor,

(q) an eccentric connected to said shaft,

(r) a connecting rod inter-connecting said eccentric to said head,

(s) means for varying the stroke of said reciprocating head,

( t) and a flexible drive connecting said drive shaft in driving relationship to said die holding means to effect rotation thereof,

(u) and a control for electrically controlling the speed of the motor.

No references cited.

GRANVILLE Y. CUSTER, JR., Primary Examiner. 

1. A MACHINE FOR RESIZING, REBLENDING, ROUNDING OR FINISHING DIES COMPRISING, (A) A FRAME MEANS, (B) A HEAD RECIPROCALLY MOUNTED ON SAID FRAME MEANS, (C) A DIE HOLDER CONNECTED TO SAID FRAME AND ADAPTED TO SUPPORT THE DIE TO BE WORKED ON, (D) MEANS FOR ROTATABLY JOURNALLING SAID DIE HOLDER ON SAID HEAD, (E) A WIRE THREADED THROUGH SAID DIE HOLDER AND DIE THEREIN FOR OPERATING ON SAID DIE, (F) MEANS FOR SECURING THE ENDS OF SAID WIRE TO SAID HEAD, (G) AND DRIVE MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID DIE HOLDER TO EFFECT SIMULTANEOUS ROTATION OF SAID DIE HOLDER AND RECIPROCATION OF SAID HEAD WHEREBY SAID RECIPROCATING WIRE OPERATING ON THE DIE IN SAID ROTATING HOLDER EFFECTIVELY RESIZES, BLENDS, ROUNDS OR FINISHES THE DIE ACCORDINGLY. 